Imelda Munster has welcomed the additional Garda measures at the Ramparts Walk on the Boyne River but says they need to continue in the coming weeks and months to ensure people’s safety on the walkway in the longer term.
Deputy Munster had called for the additional measures due to safety concerns locally following a serious attack on a woman in the Oldbridge area in April.
She had contacted the Drogheda Garda Superintendent to ensure that additional safety measures were introduced to ensure that everyone who uses the walkway can feel safe whilst doing so.
“The attack on the woman who was out walking her dog in April was horrendous. I would like to extend my best wishes go to her and I hope that she is making a good recovery” Deputy Munster said.
“This attack has caused widespread fear about the safety of the Ramparts.
“I wrote to the Superintendent who assured me that arrests have been made relating to the attack in April, and that Garda overt and covert operations are in place to prevent further incidents. This is in the form of checkpoints, high-visibility patrols, plain clothes patrols and mountain bike patrols.
“The Gardaí have also used local media and social media outlets to offer advice to people who use the amenity for walking or exercising.
“It’s vitally important that everyone feels safe when using this walkway, and whilst I am happy to hear about the new measures that have been introduced, it’s important that they continue for the coming weeks and months. Having patrols for a number of days or short weeks isn’t good enough.
“We need long-term assurances of safety on the walkway.”
